Dogs chase away grizzly bear near Bynum (video)

[Ptah]

Being a rancher in Montana is a difficult job, with challenges ranging from sub-zero weather to drought to dangerous predators, but Bynum-area rancher Steve Skelton has some four-legged friend to help protect his livestock.

Among the sheep at his ranch, you’ll see several dogs, but they’re not there for play.

On Friday morning (June 1st), Skelton captured a brief video showing two of his dogs chasing a grizzly bear away.

“Their idea is not to kill, maim, or rip up predators, their idea is to make it hard for a predator to want a meal out of my sheep,” said Skelton. “The bear is just going to walk on and say this is too hard of a meal to buy, I’m going to go somewhere else.”

http://www.krtv.com/story/38327439/dogs-chase-away-grizzly-bear-near-bynum-video

[Ohiogal]

1. Awesome.

Are they a special breed? Forgive me if I missed it.

They look like Great Pyrenees.

[Ptah]

2. I agree, they look like Great Pyrenees.

You are correct, it is not mentioned in the story or the video.

[procon]

3. Great Pyrenees!

I've had Pyrs since the 70s. First as livestock guardians for my herd of dairy goats and a small flock of wool sheep, protecting them from coyotes and loose dogs. They were excellent protectors, gentle with all the babies, but fiercely defending them when needed.

One of them always traveled with us to livestock shows, keeping us, our critters, and all our stuff safe from two-legged predators. They are so loyal and many times over they saved us from harm.

As time went on our Pyrs moved from predator control to became our dearest home companions. Now we have Powder who faithfully walks me out to the mailbox everyday as my personal guardian, the protector of our home and hearth. She is a multi purpose dog, serving as a floppy doorstop/doormat, making sure no one can enter without her approval. She is also a dedicated foot warmer, and takes pride in being a very large cat toy.